SAN JOSE, CA -- Global VR has entered into a strategic partnership with Streak Technology Inc., which specializes in the design and production of kiosks and coin-op systems, according to an announcement by Global president Ken Bayer.

By combining their core competencies, Bayer reports, the two companies will become "one of the strongest, most experienced providers of integrated kiosk and videogame products for the coin-op industry." The united entity, he added, will focus on the design of hardware and software, product prototyping and manufacturing, and expanded product support services.

Founded in 1994 by Robert Stewart, former vice- president of operations at Atari Games, Streak swiftly emerged as a leading systems integrator of coin-op products, employing more than 40 people during its peak. Eight years ago, the company turned its attention to the emerging kiosk market.

During its 15 years in business, Streak has built more than 50,000 amusement devices and kiosks. Product highlights include Tickets.com, which allows users to select an event, choose a seat and receive a printed ticket; Build A Bear Vending, which enables patrons to make their own stuffed animal; Streak's own multipurpose Internet access device; and Polaroid photobooths.

As a result of the partnership, Streak has relocated its operations to Global's San Jose, CA, facility. "It makes great sense to combine our talented teams," Stewart said. "This partnership allows us to enjoy both economies of scale and talent that will enable us to better serve our customers' needs."

Global VR arrived on the coin-op scene in the late 1990s. A main area of its business has been migrating PC and console games to coin-op, and developing the technology to enable that transfer. Need for Speed Carbon, Aliens Extermination, and EA Sports' PGA Tour Golf and Nascar Racing are among the company's hit arcade titles.